Explore your study options
Develop the expertise to become a professional leader in exercise and sport science. You’ll study the biology, technology, behaviour and best practices that underpin the field.
Undergraduate
Undergraduate (your first degree)
A Deakin undergraduate course is the foundation of your future career, usually completed in two to four years. Duration varies based on degree type, enrolment pattern and any credit received from recognition of prior learning.
Postgraduate
Postgraduate (further study)
A postgraduate qualification can be undertaken by students who have already completed an undergraduate degree or possess significant, demonstrable work experience. Postgraduate courses include graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, masters and PhDs, as well as specialist programs for industry professionals.
Research
Higher Degrees by Research (supervised research)
Research degrees are research based master’s or PhD programs that focus on a single area of expertise. They provide students the opportunity to carry out highly specialised research under expert supervision.
Choose an exercise and sport science degree that will get you work ready
At Deakin, you’ll learn in world-class facilities and gain extensive practical experience while you study, ensuring you graduate job ready and able to hit the ground running.
Flexibility for student athletes
We’re dedicated to supporting elite athletes to achieve academic success alongside the demands of training and competition. Deakin is a member of the Elite Athlete Education Network (EAEN), offering student athletes flexibility and time so they can meet their sporting commitments.
Industry-led degrees
Every Deakin exercise and sport science course is shaped by industry experts, ensuring you graduate with real‑world expertise and practical skills. You’ll focus on the biological, sociological and behavioural aspects, giving you a well-rounded knowledge base and competitive edge in the workplace.
Professional recognition
Thanks to world-class facilities and industry-leading academics, our exercise and sport science sequence is nationally accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia. This means you'll graduate eligible to apply for membership as an Accredited Exercise Scientist or, with postgraduate study, an Accredited Sport Scientist or Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
Top professional roles in exercise and sport science
With the increase of chronic disease and obesity rates globally, the emphasis on physical activity and participation in exercise and sport continues to dominate modern approaches to sustaining a healthy lifestyle. By 2033, jobs in sports and recreation are set to grow by almost 11% according to Australian Government projections.^ Upon graduating, you may find employment opportunities in:
- applied sport science
- biomechanics
- clinical exercise physiology
- fitness
- health promotion
- performance analysis
- personal training
- physical activity and education
- sport coaching
- sports nutrition
- strength and conditioning.
Study sport with a world #1
Our School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences is a world leader in sport science. We are ranked #1 in the world in the prestigious ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments.*
I chose to study at Deakin because they promote practical and independent learning and get you job-ready skills. The hands-on learning approach is great because you get a taste of what the workplace will feel like.
Georgia Middleton
Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science
World-class teaching experiences
Deakin’s industry-shaped courses and practical, real-world approach to learning will prepare you to be adaptable across the jobs of the future. Plus benefit from our unrivalled facilities, which match those you’ll encounter in high-performance exercise and sport science settings.
Real-world experience
Work experience can make all the difference when applying for jobs. Through our work-integrated learning program, you'll gain invaluable experience and credit towards your degree. The experiential learning opportunities, such as mentoring, volunteering, consulting and internships, are practical and help develop skills that later benefit your career.
Industry partnerships
Deakin has a long-held association with the Geelong Football Club (GFC) and an ongoing partnership with the Deakin Cats Community Centre. The Centre is a hub for several GFC and Deakin community initiatives including BioCATS, Cats Community Education programs, Cyber Cats and Just Think – delivering health and wellbeing sessions on site.
Elite Regional Sports Precinct
Located at the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus, our Elite Regional Sports Precinct is second-to-none. It features an MCG-sized AFL oval, FIFA-grade soccer pitch and eight-lane 400-metre athletics track, which meets World Athletics standards.
Specialised Indoor Exercise and Sport Science Building
Our Specialised Indoor Exercise and Sport Science Building at the Melbourne Burwood Campus is state-of-the-art. Use the 40-metre running track to measure the impact of running, work with accredited exercise physiologists to treat clients in the Deakin Clinical Exercise Centre and train for different environments in the climate chamber.
Want to explore more?
If you're dreaming of an exciting and rewarding career in exercise and sport science, we'll help get you there.
Driving high performance in women’s sport
Deakin PhD student Olivia Knowles is helping women athletes reach their full potential.
How exercise physiology graduates are changing lives through research
Meet Deakin Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology graduates that are changing lives through their leading sports science research.
Footnotes
*ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments 2021, 2022, 2023
^Jobs and Skills Australia, Employment Projections 2023–2028
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our list of sources.
Contact us
Got a question about our exercise and sport science courses? Our course advisers are available to speak to you about your study options and how we can help you further your career.
Domestic students
1800 693 888
Enquire online
International students
+61 3 9918 9188
Enquire online